Tuition assistance funding canceled

Because of budget cuts caused by sequestration, the Department of Defense has decided to stop funding its tuition assistance program for its service members. The program’s cancelation will affect approximately 115 students at Oregon State University who currently receive funding from the program.

The program, which paid for active duty and some reserve and National Guard service members to attend school, is one of many programs cut by the Defense Department since sequestration. It paid service members tuition up to $4,500 annually.

The cuts are expected to happen immediately and many students may be left in a lurch spring term.

Gus Bedwell, OSU veteran’s services adviser, sent out a letter yesterday to those affected, listing off answers to the most frequently asked questions. The letter says those on active duty can draw from the GI bill, either Post 9/11 or Montgomery GI bill, and can also apply for financial aid with the FAFSA form. It also listed off many places students could go for help on campus and in the community.

Recently, the university signed a memorandum of understanding with the Defense Department in order to continue to receive funding for tuition assistance. At first, there was uncertainty on whether the university would sign, but it eventually did sign before the deadline.

The budget sequestration went into effect this year as automatic budget cuts after congressional leaders were unable to reach a compromise before the deadline. Nearly every aspect of government has been affected, and President Ed Ray has reported that OSU stands to lose $10.1 million because of sequestration, mostly from research grants.

Those students with further questions are encouraged to contact Bedwell at 541-737-7662 or gus.bedwell@oregonstate.edu.

Don Iler, editor-in-chief
On Twitter @doniler
editor@dailybarometer.com